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Automakers are investing billions of dollars to bring new electric vehicles to consumers in the U.S. and other global markets, but their success hinges on securing the most critical and expensive component: the battery.

Truck makers are beginning to introduce battery-electric models, but successfully deploying this new breed of commercial vehicle requires fleets to manage a bevy of new considerations, including installation of charging equipment, coordination with utility companies and exploring government incentives.

General Motors Co. is moving ahead in its talks with startup Nikola Corp. over a proposed partnership to make electric and fuel cell powered trucks, a senior executive at the Detroit automaker said.

Allison Transmission Inc., widely known for its medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, announced the launch of eGen Power, its series of zero-emission electric axles.

Navistar International Corp. is on the verge of becoming a subsidiary of German truck maker Traton SE, a step analysts said is a positive development for both companies.

General Motors Co. is investing more than $2 billion in six U.S. plants, including a makeover of a former Saturn plant in Tennessee into its third factory to produce electric models.

VTNA said it was awarded $21.7 million in federal and state grants to deploy 70 VNR Electric trucks in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage.

Tesla Inc. will start exporting Model 3 cars made at its gigafactory on the outskirts of Shanghai to Europe later this month, the automaker said in a statement sent via WeChat.

Lightning Systems, a provider of complete electrification solutions for urban commercial fleets, announced that Fluid Truck placed an order for 600 Lightning electric vehicles that will be made available starting in the fourth quarter.

Royal Dutch Shell announced it added Shell E-Fluids to its specialized fluids portfolio to support battery-electric and fuel-cell electric powertrains for commercial light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.